Nigeria’s oil and gas industry may be heading toward a critical turning point, not because of declining reserves or asset divestments, but due to a growing shortage of skilled professionals needed to sustain the sector’s future growth.
This warning was issued by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyewa Eyesan.
She urged indigenous operators to urgently invest in human capital development or risk undermining the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Eyesan made the remarks while addressing the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, led by its Chairman, Adegbite Falade.
She called on the group to strengthen human capital development, uphold industry standards, and promote sound corporate governance practices.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu.
According to her, the increasing dominance of indigenous firms following the exit of international oil companies has placed greater responsibility on local operators to maintain global standards.
She cautioned that failure to invest in skills development could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global energy market.
Eyesan noted that investors assess Nigeria as a single entity, meaning that poor capacity across the sector could affect the country’s overall attractiveness to global financiers.
She emphasized that human capital development must be prioritised to avoid long-term structural challenges in the industry.
She also urged indigenous producers to maintain discipline and emulate operational standards previously upheld by international oil companies, stressing the importance of strong internal regulation within the sector.
